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Help me like H&M

Scarlet

Veteran

So I live here in the heart of discount fashion--H&M, Zara, Mango galore. I could literally walk to all of these stores every day if I wanted to. I could visit different branches and compare offerings. When I go to one of these stores I am either overwhelmed by the choice or think:

1) Everyone 5 years younger than I am has been wearing this for the last two months and will know where I bought it and how much I payed.

2) This dress is pretty, but the seaming sucks.

3) This dress is pretty but the fabric is a.) natural and will shrink when I inevitably accidentally put it in the dryer, or is b.) synthetic and will make me sweat. And look cheap. I know there are nice synthetics out there, but they usually cost more.

I know other people find nice things in these places. Maybe I am not enough of a hunter. Angie mentioned some nice cardis in H&M at one point, but I didn't find those. I think April just mentioned silk tunics at H&M, and all I can think is I bet the dye on those runs like crazy.

I have bought a button down from Zara which looks okay, but I always notice the faults when I iron it, and the buttons are a little difficult to button. I have three t-shirts from H&M that I really liked till I shrank them. I like the style in Mango, but the material always looks cheap to me. Am I a hopeless snob? If so, please re-program me.

Shopping

29 replies

Latest reply was from Lisa

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

No help from me. I walked into H&M for the first time yesterday and was not impressed at all. I did not even want to try anything on!

Vix

Veteran

I think it's tough when you go into a place that's known for lower-priced items with high expectations about fit, construction, and/or quality of material.

I mean there are a fair number of us that have had disappointments along those lines with clothing that is in the $80+ (or +++ in some cases!) range.

I don't have any "good" fast fashion places around, but whenever I buy smaller things at Target, Charlotte Russe etc I really try to accept that I am getting what I am paying for...which doesn't mean I don't curse when the waistband on a pair of tights stretches out after 1 wearing!

Vix

Veteran

ps I find when I'm looking for lower price/higher quality I do better with thrift/resale stuff, but then YES it's not necessarily super-current and one has to be creative and/or it's a timesuck.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I think it's perfectly fine to be picky. I do think that you have to pick through things at H&M, and many times I find nothing. Other time I love everything! If you can't find something that you're comfortable with it's better off saving your money for something that you will be. I am finding more and more that my standards are getting higher, and I am willing to buy one more expensive piece rather than a bunch of cheap ones that don't end up lasting.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Yes I'm guilty of this as well Rosie, much as I enjoy the designs, when I run my fingers over the fabric I usually do not like what I feel. I also think my eye is not discerning enough to spot the true gems. I prefer to shop outlets or sales to try and get the best quality for my budget, but it can be exhausting and I do miss the buzz of a quick fix.

Steph

Veteran

Scarlet, I'm like you when it comes to H&M. I do have a few tank tops I bought from them that I wear as cover ups when I go to the beach or pool, but I bought those because I didn't need to spend for quality on something like that. I'm not saying that you won't find bad quality in high-end brands, but I do feel like the large majority of what I see at H&M is of lower quality, and I have decided it's just not worth my time to shop for clothing there unless I'm specifically looking for something cheap that I expect will be worn in a way where it may get ruined.

I do think that Zara is of higher quality than H&M, however, and the prices reflect that. Having said that, the fit and style doesn't reflect my preferences, so it's rare I shop there and I can't speak too much to the quality (just that it's better than H&M). I can't speak to Mango at all, because we don't have them where I live.

I don't think there is anything wrong with feeling like you would rather not buy clothing that you don't think will last you. Some people don't mind it because they feel the piece is trendy, but if that's not your style, you shouldn't feel the need to force yourself to change your preference.

Steph

Veteran

Scarlet, I took another look at your post, and I do have a question. In point 3, you said that when you look at the clothes you think either that the fabric is natural and will shrink, or is synthetic and will make you sweat. I'm just curious--isn't that going to be the case for all fabrics? They will either be natural or synthetic? Just wondering if I was missing something.

Also, I wouldn't be too worried about point 1. You will probably wear your pieces from them differently than others do. Some people might recognize it as H&M, but most won't. I know I went through a period of time a few years ago where I shopped a ton at Ann Taylor, J. Crew and Banana Republic, and every time I would go to a wedding or an event where a woman was wearing a dress, I would be able to identify which store she had purchased it from, because I was so familiar with their lines. But I don't think that's something to be overly concerned about. (Of course, as I said in my earlier post, I actually do generally agree with you about not liking H&M, but if those were your primary reasons, I just wanted to share those thoughts.)

Maya

Veteran

There is no rule mandating that you HAVE to like H&M. I have my reasons for liking it. You have your reasons for not liking it. Assuming you don't mind paying more, it's not a big deal.

I will say that I do have quality pieces from H&M: my pleather moto jacket, purple shirt dress, and vest have all served me well. Unless there is a reason to think otherwise (visible seam slippage, egregiously bad construction, etc) I do not assume anything I buy from there is destined to fall apart. As for tshirts, you could spend $1,000 on them and they would still stretch and fade quickly. Such is the nature of tshirts

bj1111

Veteran

no help here...i haven't had ANY luck with h&m. i've even scored a few items at f21 despite my relatively advanced age. my go-to store for fast fashion is zara.

edit: even with zara, i still prefer non-fast (slow? nondisposable?) fashion.

Inge

(website)

I hear you Scarlet, but have to add that I've found some pretty good quality items at H&M, Zara, Mango etc. Not everything is top notch, but more expensive brands can't seem to guarantee that either. I just drop by the European chain stores once in a while, browse the colours and items I'm attracted to and have been able to find a number of good buys this way.

Massimo Dutti is worth a shot too. I don't know where exactly you are in Germany, but if you have one, definitely go check out WE. Not expensive and I've always found something I like there the last two years.
http://www.wefashion.com/#/de-DE/home

Mexx is more expensive but is good quality and usually has something fab. Don't judge them by their website alone. The clothes look much better in person.
http://eshop.mexx.com/Storefin.....eight=none

Inwear: see my Mexx comment
http://www.inwear.com/?partner.....bd2%3A5350

Marc O'Polo. A bit more preppy and classic.
http://www.marc-o-polo.com/de/storefinder

Benetton is always worth a try too.

A few more:
http://shop.bandolera.com/nl_BE

http://www.imitz.com/

http://www.sandwich.eu/

http://www.parttwo.com/en/Collection/

http://www.karenmillen.com/pws/Home.ice

http://www.filippa-k.com/stores

Hope you'll find some items you love in one of these shops;-)

Queen Mum

Veteran

Scarlet- I went into H&M once and have not been back. I was underwhelmed too.

crazyone

Veteran

I like H&M, but I do think that about 80% of the stuff there is lower quality than I'd want to buy, and I probably have fewer than 10 items from there. I think if I lived in Europe like you, I'd have even less of a reason to like H&M, but in general the main reason I like it is that things from H&M often fit me very well, whereas in a lot of American stores, things are sized too big or boxily for me (I like J. Crew, but a lot of their stuff is big and boxy for me, for example).

My main problem with Zara is that I think their normal prices are a little too high for what they offer, but otherwise I thought they had "normal" quality--it's not like most other American manufacturers have consistently high quality either.

I've only been to a Mango once, in Lisboa, and I liked their stuff in person, but online, like you, I like the cuts/styles but am unsure of the fabrics.

Esprit is the best combo of price (esp given their frequent sales and coupons)/quality among the European chains that I've seen, in my opinion. But the style may be "sportier" than you prefer.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

VERY quality conscious me absolutely shops at MNG, Zara a H&M occasionally. Perhaps once a year. My wardrobe has everything from H&M and Zara, to Prada and Valentino. I love the mixture. Budget shops are a complete hit or miss but that's quite a fun process too.

These shops offer cheap high fashion - especially Zara has cutting edge fashion. Straight off the catwalk stuff. I can totally appreciate that. I cannot appreciate cheap mainstream fashion nearly as much and those are the places that don't get my money.

Believe it or not, I have items from these stores that have lasted for years and are still going strong. And I have stuff that tore and broke in a season.

Scarlet - Rosie, you do not need to like these stores. That's okay! But most of the world does because it's inexpensive.

Scarlet

Veteran

This post is inspired by the fact that I would like to become a better budget shopper, but I suspect I either need Angie’s laser-sharp instincts to hone in on the good pieces or more patience than I have.

Vix -
I really liked your comment about the thrift/timesuck/creativity issue. I think second-hand shopping is a clever strategy but I have all the issues you mentioned, and therefore don’t really do it more than once a year.

Steph -
I think that some synthetic fabrications are much more breathable than the bad quality ones and also have the advantage that they dry really quickly, so when it’s really hot, the synthetic is actually more comfortable than having wet cotton sticking to your skin. If you live somewhere without A/C you would really notice the difference. I contemplated some dresses this summer in a viscose jersey that I ended up not buying because I thought for viscose I just shouldn’t need to pay so much. It was a big mistake. They would have been perfect for the past month of 90+ degree weather with no A/C and they would also have been great for dancing. They are sold out now. Silly Scarlet-Rosie.

Maya -
I really admire how you are very budget-oriented but look very well turned out. You have said several times that you enjoy the freedom to get tired of things and move onto the next look. Maybe my issue is that I like to hold onto my clothes for years. It’s funny--I really don’t get tired of my things. But I just wanted to say that I disagree about T-shirts being destined to stretch or fade quickly. I only have a few T-shirts like this because the prices are vomit-inducing, but James Perse and C&C T-shirts really stand the test of time. They don’t stretch, shrink, or fade. No seams start unraveling. At least the ones I have.

Inge -
Thanks for all the info! That was really above and beyond the call of duty, as we say. Some of the places you mentioned I am familiar with and some not. I look forward to working my way through the info. Also, I like the way you describe the way you shop. I think I am too goal-oriented and I always feel like I am missing something. I should remove the stress of finding something and maybe I will find something.

Angie -
I think I am missing your good instincts to sift through the masses of stuff and find the gems. I see your point about straight off the catwalk vs. mainstream fashion--that makes a lot of sense. I am a slower adopter of new fashion, so maybe that holds me back as well.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Scarlet-Rosie, I love your forum presence. Your dry sense of humour often makes me laugh and there is no shortage of hard working grey cells in that pretty little head of yours.

But back to the matter at hand. It does require patience honing in on the right pieces in more budget stores. I spent hours in H&M with Maya in NYC and it was just like that with me going: "bad", "bad", "bad", "nice!", "fabulous", "bad", "yuck, "horrendous", "Killer", "bad", "bad". We had lots of fun and Maya came out with a few stunning items that she wears to death.

At the end of the day remember rule number one: "fashion and style are for fun". If its stressful to shop at these stores - move on! No one will hold it against you :0)

crazyone

Veteran

Scarlet: you're probably being MORE of a budget shopper than most of the people (myself included) who shop at H&M, because you buy high quality stuff with care and discernment, instead of buying tons of cheap stuff because it's there

Sihaya

Veteran

Scarlet - I am completely with you. Whenever I visit Lisbon, I go to MNG, Zara and H&M which are all side by side. I *want* to buy something at H&M but in 5 visits have only left with one trench coat. I have yet to buy something from MNG - either quality or not the right fit for my body. On the other hand, I rarely leave Zara without a purchase. I find their clothing to be higher quality than H&M in general. I visit another city that has Zara's and I go there often. Like with any cheaper store, you will have to go over and over again. I don't spend a ton of time, just a quick in and out. If somehting catches my eye, I try it out. I have several items from Zara and they have lasted me a very long time.

londonkiwi (now back in NZ)

Veteran

I am a fan of H&M and have bought some great pieces from there. The majority of my wardrobe comes from the Euro chains that a mentioned here with a few Gap pieces and a lot of Uniqlo pieces thrown in.

I completely agree with all of what has been said above. H&M can be completely daunting if you don't know the general layout of the store. In London there are only 2 that I will shop in, because I know where I am going and know the layout of the store and how items are promoted. In the bigger shops in the UK there is always an area that is dedicated to more grown up items and there are never any teeny-boppers shopping there. I aim for basic pieces more classic pieces that could come from anywhere. As I work in close (far too close) proximity so it is often a lunch time.

On the other hand, while I love browsing, I actually get very self conscious in shops that are more expensive.

Ele

(website)

I think that with H&M, the specific store you're in matters a lot. Merchandising makes a huge difference to my shopping experience! There are several H&M's in London, including ones I hate with a passion (Regent St.) and ones I love (Knightsbridge).

I don't often shop there anymore, but I did often when I was in university (Toronto's Eaton Centre is another good store!). I'll echo some of the others that there are good-quality items to be found there. My fall/spring jacket is a Safari-style one I picked up in 2006. I've worn it to death since then so think I'll finally be replacing it this year, but it served me very well.

Isabel

Veteran

Oh boy, no help from me. I am not in the midst of all this, but there are a couple of H&Ms around here and they are not impressive at all........they are also do disorganized here that I just don't have the patience to comb through stuff. Maybe that is my real proble - it is the same reason I don't go to thrift stores.

Tanya

Veteran

H&M items are hit and miss for sure. However,I always find some nice items there, some of which have held great -tailored items like waistcoats come to mind. I also buy simple knitted tops there for layering, since those do not last long no matter where you get them, I prefer to buy them cheap.

Also the actual store matters a lot. When I lived in Boston there were a couple of stores I really liked. I have been to some H&M's in DC since I moved but haven't been impressed.

Maya

Veteran

Angie, you and I went at a time when H&M was especially fabulous, so it was really more like "fab, fab, killer, killer to the power of killer, awful, fab" :p The coral trench, pleather jacket, ruched shoulder jacket, purple shirt dress, as well as Dawn's killer skirt, and that cute purple 50's dress were all from that collection. There was also a beautiful boyfriend jacket that I really regret not buying at the time, but I couldn't justify $60 when I was totally without income. I haven't seen H&M look that good since, although I'm probably biased since I am generally much more enthused by cool weather collections.

But that brings up a good point: H&M merchandise turns over quickly and frequently. There are times when I don't find anything I like, but two weeks later I'll be overwhelmed with possibilities. I go to H&M very frequently...probably biweekly at a minimum. Of course, it's easy for me because there are roughly 20943809860902984920 H&Ms dotted all over Manhattan. Yes, location is important. My favorite H&M, where I took Angie, is on 51st and 5th. But I rarely get to go there because it's just not a convenient location. The ones that are closer to me are not as good. Of course, I realize most people do not have access to more than one or two H&M's, so that's another reason why I might be as enthusiastic as I am.

My closet has a high turnover rate too! And at my age, that's okay. I have said before that I have fashion ADD. I get bored easily. Footwear and outerwear aside, if I invest in something, I usually regret it later, because i end up getting tired of it.

Anonymous

I've had very little luck at H&M over all. Everything I have bought there has turned over in my closet fairly quickly. Until I found THE VEST. Basic black, perfect fit, nice quality. And it was only $25. So there are gems to be found in amongst the rubble. I go with my cousin when she comes down from Vancouver and often leave with somewhere between nothing and one or two pieces. The fit is often awkward on me in general.

Vix

Veteran

Scarlet --

Circling back around to the timesuck issue, I notice that with age I've become more selective about HOW I will spend (cough waste cough) my shopping time.

And really, I've shifted from a hunter to a gatherer. I used to love the thrill of the hunt/the bargain, and while a great deal or a plucked-from-the-haystack find still makes me super-happy, it's not my primary motivation. I actually envy the hunters and their patience!

Sounds like you know what you like as far as multi-season use vs shorter-term clothing, but have you figured out your "shopping personality"?

At this point, I know what colors and shapes look like absolute crap on me, I know which ones are no-brainers...that leaves a smaller middle ground of items that need to be tried. Nowadays, when I shop large stores *or* secondhand stores for anything I find it tiresome vs exhilarating. [Online is different...it's easy to winnow while sitting on my butt and multi-tasking!]

So I am trending towards smaller stores, fabric stores (so I can have things made up the way I want them) and of course ONLINE places with free or in-store returns.

While going in for fittings is a timesuck, I know I will emerge with something that fulfills a specific need/desire when I'm done. And being able to hunt and "shop" at night/my convenience rocks, even if I end up sending the majority back!

I think you've gotten some good strategies on how to sift through the larger stores...good luck!

Steph

Veteran

Scarlet, you sound like me, in that you like keeping your clothes for years and don't get bored of them. Because of that, I have decided that for the most part, it isn't worth my time to shop at H&M. It's not that I don't believe I can find higher quality clothing there--it's that I don't have the patience to sift through everything to find the gems, and I find the stores to be very crowded with teenagers and generally disorganized (I realize that each H&M varies a lot by location).

When I decide to budget shop, I just look at the bigger stores that I love for sales. I have actually found fantastic deals at stores like Saks, where I end up spending as much for a top as I would have spent at H&M, because the prices can get SO low. I have also started to determine who my absolute favorite designers are, and then I go to shopstyle.com at least once a month to search those designers' pieces and see if anything is on super sale. This is how I have purchased several pairs of $600 Stella McCartney shoes for $60.

So I do think that there are a lot of different ways to be a budget shopper. Some people love thrifting, some people love searching for the gems at H&M, some people love trolling for sales. You just need to figure out what your best budget shopping style is!

Maya

Veteran

I like to do a combination of the methods Steph mentioned. I am trying not to get too attached to the sale racks of mid-upper end stores though. I know it seems like this recession will never end, but it will one day, so I don't feel like I can rely on that as my only option. I wish there were more stores out there like Urban Outfitters, price-wise. They are not bottom-of-the-barrel cheap but not really expensive either. I find they fit my budget and lifestyle needs best right now. In general I find my shopping experience to be very polarized...either everything is cheap or luxuriously expensive. Either $10 at Old Navy or $100 at Banana Republic (full price I mean).

April

Veteran

Scarlet, being picky is the only way to be when you shop in a store like H&M. I think of it like IKEA: there is *so* much available and it's all *so* affordable that you must use your knowledge of quality to zip right past anything that won't hold up its end for you.

If a quick glance tells you an item is not worth a longer look, trust that. It sounds like you know quality when you see it, which is a tremendous asset in stores where the quality varies a lot. There is good stuff to be had in those stores, and being able to recognize it will keep you from wasting time and money on the stuff that isn't so good.

Scarlet

Veteran

Just wanted to thank everyone once again for weighing in. Your responses have given me a lot to think about in terms of shopping style and budget strategies.

Lisa

Veteran

This was a great thread. Lots of good insight. I haven't been in an H&M in a long time. But I used to find the organized by color layout helpful. I assume they are still doing this. I like this layout because when I am looking for say a blue shirt, I can go to one area to find all the choices for blue shirts.